DAY 3 RECAP
CROMWELL, Conn., June 18, 2014 – Crowds gathered Wednesday, June 18, for the first ever Fan Appreciation Day at the Travelers Championship. To start the morning and celebrate the extension of Travelers’ title sponsorship through 2024, Travelers handed out 2,024 of its signature red umbrellas to fans arriving at the course.
The Travelers Celebrity Pro-Am began at 6:50 a.m. with afternoon tee times from 12 – 2 p.m. The event featured PGA TOUR professionals and celebrities from the world of sports and entertainment, including UConn coaches Kevin Ollie and Jim Calhoun leading the morning groups, and comedian George Lopez, Red Sox legend Tim Wakefield and ESPN personality Chris Berman leading the afternoon groups.
Two of the largest regional sports radio shows, The Mike Francesa Show and The Dennis and Callahan Show, broadcasted live from the tournament. Both shows interviewed top PGA TOUR professionals such as Keegan Bradley, Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar.
Throughout the Celebrity Pro-Am, active duty military members and wounded warriors were given an opportunity to caddie and carry a PGA TOUR professional’s bag on the 17th Hole. Amateurs participating in the Pro-Am also competed in a closest-to-the-pin contest.
Another fan favorite of the day was the FML, CPAs Celebrity Mini Golf Tournament, which took place in the SUBWAY Fan Zone. Celebrities including actress Bridget Moynahan and WWE Wrestler Bob Backlund, as well as on-air personalities from the local and national media. All teams competed for a chance to win a total of $5,000 donated to the charity of their choice. The WWE team won the first shotgun and donated to Special Olympics CT while the Clear Channel Team won the second shotgun and donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Waterbury.
GreatBlue Research also teamed up with the PGA TOUR Wives Association to host a mini golf tournament that benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation. There were surprise appearances by Jim Herman, Scott McCarron, Bobby Gates and Robert Streb at the event.
Finally, Travelers continued its tradition of awarding $10,000 for the Hole 15 ½ competition that took place Tuesday. PGA TOUR professional Richard H. Lee was announced as his shot landed 1’ 4” from the pin. On behalf of Richard, Travelers donated the money toward his designated charity, Newborns in Need.
